Chapter 053

~~~Ava~~~ I rushed into the office, still trying to catch my breath. Aiden's voice on the intercom made me jump, and I quickly retouched my makeup before entering his office. But my bright smile quickly faltered when I saw Sandra, Aiden's girlfriend, standing beside him, stroking his hair. A wave of rage and anger washed over me, and for a moment, I forgot myself. All I wanted to do was march over to her and tell her to leave my man alone. But then I remembered that he wasn't technically my man... yet. A sly voice in my head whispered, "Not for long, though." I composed myself, putting on a professional facade. "Sir, you called?" I asked, trying to sound calm as I stood before him. Aiden's eyes met mine, and for a moment, I felt a flutter in my chest. "Yes, Ava, please sit," he said, his voice low and soothing. I hesitated, but his firm tone made me comply. As I sat, he began to explain the favor he needed. "Ava, I know this would sound a little bit extra, but I'd like to ask you for a favor." My curiosity was piqued, and I leaned forward, my eyes locked on his. A flirty voice in my head whispered, "Oh, I would do more than just grant you a favor, handsome." Aiden continued, "Sandra here has a very important shoot today, and she asked me if she could borrow you for just today to help her with some of her stuff. Her secretary isn't well." My expression darkened as I realized the favor was for Sandra, not Aiden. I felt a surge of resentment toward her, and my eyes narrowed into deadly glares. But Sandra just smirked, her eyes flashing with amusement. "How pathetic," I thought, my anger simmering just below the surface. "I'm sorry, sir, but I thought you were the one who employed me, not her," I protested, trying to keep my tone professional. Aiden's expression turned conciliatory. "I know, Ava, but please try to understand. I don't want her stressing herself out over there, plus I'm willing to pay you triple your salary today." I was about to refuse again when an idea struck me. I relaxed, taking a deep breath before agreeing. "Okay, okay, sir. It's fine." Aiden's face lit up with a breathtaking smile, and for a moment, I forgot about my resentment. "Really?" he asked, his eyes sparkling with happiness. Sandra's voice cut through the moment, her tone cold and mean. "Oh, thank you so much, babe. This really means a lot." She gave Aiden a kiss, and I felt a pang of jealousy. I scoffed, turning my head away. As I trailed behind Sandra, I felt a surge of resentment. Who did she think she was, bossing me around? But then she stopped and turned to me, her cold tone making me bristle. "Uh... who are you leaving my bag for?" she asked, her eyes flashing with annoyance. I let out a light growl, my patience wearing thin. Aiden intervened, his voice calm. "Sandra, be nice." Sandra's expression turned icy. "This is me being nice, Aiden." She turned back to me, her eyes flashing with annoyance. "Now, get my bag." Aiden's apologetic eyes met mine, but I just smiled sweetly and handed Sandra her bag. "You're to carry it," Sandra said, dumping the bag at my feet. I let out a deep sigh, feeling a surge of frustration at her entitled behavior. I was a personal assistant, not a baggage handler. I reluctantly picked up the bag, its weight straining my arm. I shot Sandra a sideways glance, my eyes narrowing in annoyance. "It's just for today, Sandra," Aiden's voice cut through the tension, his tone calm and soothing. I turned to him, my expression softening slightly. Aiden's eyes met mine, and for a moment, I felt a spark of connection. But then Sandra's voice cut through the moment, her tone icy. "Let's go, we don't have all day," she said, striding ahead of me. I followed her, the bag weighing me down, both physically and emotionally. I wonder what Aiden saw in her. This was just the beginning, I thought to myself. I'd play along with Sandra's games, but I'd also be gathering information, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. As we stepped outside the company, Sandra turned to me, her eyes flashing with possessiveness. "Now listen, girl, I've seen the way you look at Aiden, and I'm not comfortable with it," she sneered. "News flash, he's mine and mine alone." I stood there, my expression neutral, but my mind seething with resentment. I replied silently, my thoughts dripping with sarcasm, "We'll see about that." The photoshoot was a tedious affair, with Sandra posing and preening in front of the camera. I stood at the corner, my patience wearing thin, as she seemed to prolong the shoot just to get under my skin. Finally, she barked out an order, "Get me a smoothie, I'm thirsty." I smiled to myself, recognizing the perfect opportunity to strike. Without a word, I slipped out to the nearest shop, my mind racing with mischief. I returned with the smoothie, a sly smile spreading across my face. Unbeknownst to Sandra, I'd laced the drink with an aphrodisiac. "Let's see how she handles this," I thought, my eyes glinting with amusement. Minutes later, the effects of the drug kicked in, and Sandra's behavior became increasingly erratic. She dragged her director into one of the suites, seducing him without warning. I watched, my expression innocent, as I secretly captured videos and pictures using my other phone. I sent the evidence to Aiden, and soon, he arrived at the venue, catching Sandra and her director red-handed. I stood by, a picture of innocence, as the drama unfolded. A voice echoed in my head, "Now that's how to win a fight." A surge of happiness and satisfaction coursed through my veins, knowing I'd dealt a significant blow to Sandra's reputation. As the reality of her actions set in, Sandra's pleas for forgiveness fell on deaf ears. The aphrodisiac had worn off, leaving her mortified and humiliated. Aiden's expression was a mix of shock, anger, and heartbreak as he stormed out of the suite. But before he left, he turned to me and grasped my hand, his touch sending shivers down my spine. "Let's go," he said, his voice low and husky. I stared at him in awe, my heart racing with excitement. Butterflies danced in my stomach as I felt like I'd finally been seen and noticed by him. His eyes locked onto mine, and for a moment, I thought I saw a glimmer of attraction. As we walked to his car, the tension between us was palpable. He opened the door for me, and I slid in, feeling like a princess. Aiden dropped me off at my place, his eyes lingering on mine as he waved goodnight. I watched as he zoomed off into the night, feeling elated and hopeful. For the first time since I'd started working at Aiden's Entertainment, I felt like I was getting somewhere. And it wasn't just about uncovering the truth about my father's death; it was about the spark that had ignited between Aiden and me.